• High-performance
midsize sport sedan with 0-60 mph performance of under seven
seconds
• Features exclusive, GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec
2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
• Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System allows drivers to
change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity
• Exclusive, racing-inspired exterior and interior appointments
• Goes on sale in the second half of 2011

2012 BUICK REGAL GS PRODUCTION
MODEL TAKES SPORTS SEDAN PERFORMANCE
TO A NEW LEVEL FOR BUICK

MIAMI – Buick this
evening reveals the production version of the 2012 Regal GS, an even
sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale
earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family.
Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine
mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an
estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a
0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick’s
Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing
drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the
suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes:
standard, sport and GS.

“Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was
designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance
and style,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing.
“The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS
represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.”

The Regal GS will be unveiled this evening at a consumer event in
Miami. It goes on sale in the second half of 2011. Pricing has not
yet been announced.

The exterior design
features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia
incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific
grille treatment – with the vertical elements accented in a
satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated,
satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions
and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The
GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height
than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels
and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels
with performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and
metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way
power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats,
which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior
is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel,
steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white
when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control
System (IDCS).

Power for the Regal GS
comes from a high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged
DOHC VVT engine with direct injection technology. It is based on the
engine that will be available on Regal CXL later this year, but the
engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure
in the GS. The output is rated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295
lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm). A three-inch-diameter exhaust system
provides reduced back pressure, resulting in higher engine power

Direct injection technology helps the engine deliver more power
through increased efficiency, while maintaining fuel economy and
lowering emissions. That means less fuel is consumed and lower
emissions generated – including a 25-percent drop in cold-start
hydrocarbon emissions. Variable valve timing optimizes power,
efficiency and emissions across the entire rpm band.

“We’ve been combining direct injection and variable valve timing
with boosted engines since 2006, and there’s no question the Regal
GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of a 3.5L V6, while
delivering the fuel economy of a 2.0L four,” said Mike Anderson,
Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager.

The engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A
six-speed automatic transmission will be available later.

The Regal GS rides on a relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches
(2738 mm), which delivers refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics.
It also features a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique
High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design. The
HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative
camber during cornering; the driver experiences reduced torque
steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with
crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The four-link independent rear suspension is designed to minimize
unwanted toe and camber effects during spirited driving maneuvers,
enhancing vehicle stability. Both front and rear dampers incorporate
active Computer Damping Control (CDC), continuously changing damper
characteristics to maintain optimal vehicle ride control over
varying road surfaces and profiles. More aggressive,
performance-oriented damping characteristics can also be selected by
the driver through the Interactive Driver Control System.

Braking power comes from a large diameter four-wheel disc brake
system featuring Brembo front calipers. A standard, four-channel
anti-lock brake system is tuned to reduce stopping distances over
varied road surfaces and conditions. An electronic parking brake is
actuated via a center console-mounted control. The Regal GS also
features standard StabiliTrak stability control system with
integrated, full-function traction control.

Interactive Drive Control System

The Regal GS is also
equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis
technology (also offered on other Regal models with the 2.0L turbo
engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving
safety. The driver selects among three operating modes – standard,
sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, and steering
sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors
driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal
acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines
the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and
cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of
the IDCS driver selections. All four dampers are electronically
controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the
prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving
style.

Selecting GS mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening
the suspension and steering response. “Standard,” or the default
mode, is the setting for all-around use. The sport mode provides a
level of performance between standard and the GS modes.

About Buick

Buick is a modern luxury
brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors
with thoughtful personal technologies, along with
responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new
customers with its portfolio of award-winning models, including the
Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. The new
Buick Verano compact sedan and a small crossover will join the
portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase
in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with
continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers
at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at www.facebook.com/buick.